Content People Save More, Go In Debt Less

“Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness!” Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT)

The more you get; the more you want. That's life. Somebody once asked the billionaire Howard Hughes, “How much does it take for a man to be happy?” He said, “Just a little more.”

That kind of thinking leads you into debt. If you love possessions, you’ll never be happy. You’ll always want more. It’s a myth that having more will make you happier or give you more pleasure. A $400,000 house won’t make you twice as happy as a $200,000 house.

Discontent is all about comparing. The Bible says comparisons are foolish. They’ll ruin you financially. You go out and find a car you can afford and buy it. But you look over and see your neighbor’s car has something extra on it, so you go into debt to buy a car like that – all because of a comparison.

The antidote to debt-inducing comparisons is contentment. The Bible says, “Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT)

Contentment says, “Regardless of the circumstance I'm in, with Christ's power in my life, I can handle it.” It’s being happy in your relationship with Christ regardless of whether you’re rich or poor, up or down.

Contentment will lead to a better bottom line. Content people save more – and go in debt less.

Learn More About a Biblical Approach to Your Budget
Your finances are important to God. Saddleback Resources offers Managing Our Finances God’s Way, a 7-week, video-based study for small groups or individuals that will inspire you to live debt-free and/or manage finances in a way that enables you to respond to God’s calling on your life.

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